Bush backs Afghan Special Economic Zones

Cayman Islands Opposition Leader McKeeva Bush recently promoted the transition of military bases in Afghanistan to Special Economic Zones during a late September trip to Dubai.

The one-day conference on Sept. 30, attended by more than 170 delegates, was a step toward stabilization in war-torn Afghanistan.

Mr. Bush met with senior U.S. military officials and the special adviser to Afghanistan’s president during the conference in which he spoke about the economic impact of SEZs on the Cayman Islands’ economy.

“I found myself inspired by the conference and its attendees,” Mr. Bush said. “There is a willingness for change and a strong desire for peace.”

He added, “To have been invited to attempt to make a contribution, and to offer our experience in the coming times to that country’s economic redevelopment is a noble initiative and one that shows that we could have a significant role to play with the international community because of our specific knowledge.”

Mr. Bush said he had met with government and private sector officials, in Europe and the United Arab Emirates, to promote Cayman as an investment and tourism destination.

Gulf News reported in late September that the Afghan government signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chord Group to establish Special Economic Zones as part of the Afghanistan’s economic development plan. Chairman of the Chord Group, Jason Blick, helped Cayman set up its initial Special Economic Zone, Cayman Enterprise City.

U.S. Army Major Gen. Todd Semonite, left, a commanding general of the Afghanistan transition, in Dubai with Cayman’s Opposition Leader McKeeva Bush.